Nplate® (romiplostim) was awarded the 2010 International Prix Galien Award which the Prix Galien committee describes as “a prize awarded every second year to ‘the best of the best’ selected from winners of Prix Galien national prizes.” Nplate was the first FDA and EMA-approved peptibody protein and the first treatment specifically developed for adult chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a serious autoimmune disorder.
The International Prix Galien award is the industry’s highest global accolade for pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development.
About Nplate
Nplate is the first platelet producer approved in the European Union (EU), Canada, Australia, Russia and the U.S. Nplate also has received orphan designation for chronic ITP in the U.S. (2003), the EU (2005), Switzerland (2005) and Japan (2006).
Nplate is the first treatment specifically developed for adult chronic ITP. It is also being investigated for potential use in pediatric ITP, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT).
In the U.S., Nplate is indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic immune ITP who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins or splenectomy. Nplate should be used only in patients with ITP whose degree of thrombocytopenia and clinical condition increases the risk for bleeding. Nplate should not be used in an attempt to normalize platelet counts.
In the EU, Nplate is indicated for the treatment of splenectomized adult chronic ITP patients who are refractory to other treatments (e.g. corticosteroids, immunoglobulins). Nplate may be considered as a second-line treatment for adult non-splenectomized ITP patients for whom surgery is contraindicated.
Nplate was named as a recipient of the U.S. Prix Galien 2009 “Best Biotechnology Product” award and also received the 2009 Scrip Awards for “Best New Drug.” Nplate has also been honored with numerous awards throughout the EU, including a 2010 Prix Galien in France in the category of “Drugs for Rare Diseases.” Nplate is currently nominated for the 2010 International Prix Galien award.
For more information about Nplate, please visit http://www.nplate.com/.
Important U.S. Nplate Safety Information
Serious adverse reactions associated with Nplate in clinical studies were bone marrow reticulin deposition and worsening thrombocytopenia after Nplate discontinuation. Additional risks include bone marrow fibrosis, thrombotic/thromboembolic complications, lack or loss of response to Nplate, and hematological malignancies and progression of malignancy in patients with a pre-existing hematological malignancy or MDS. Nplate is not indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia due to MDS or any cause of thrombocytopenia other than chronic ITP.
In the U.S., Nplate is available only through a restricted distribution program called Nplate® NEXUS (Network of Experts Understanding and Supporting Nplate and Patients) Program.
In the placebo-controlled studies, headache was the most commonly reported adverse drug reaction.
Important EU Nplate Safety Information
The most common side effects are headache, fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia, injection site bruising, injection site pain, peripheral edema, dizziness, muscle spasms, nausea, contusion, diarrhea, bone marrow disorder, influenza-like illness, insomnia and pruritus.
Reoccurrence of thrombocytopenia and bleeding after cessation of treatment and increased bone marrow reticulin have been associated with Nplate treatment in the clinical trials. Thrombotic/thromboembolic complications, progression of existing hematopoietic malignancies or MDS, and effects on red and white blood cells are all potential risks associated with Nplate treatment. As with all therapeutic proteins, patients may develop antibodies to the therapeutic protein.
Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for more information about Nplate®.
